Struggling to dominate the galaxy? Try these cheeky codes.Paradox Interactive

Diplomacy and exploration are a huge part of the Stellaris experience. Paradox Interactive's real-time strategy sci-fi opus follows the basic tenets of the 4X structure: expand, explore, exploit and exterminate.

However, your first few hours spent nursing your civilisation will focus more on politics and resource-gathering than on all-out skirmishes.

But even your first excursion into the wilderness of space sets you on a slightly more treacherous path, after all, empire-building and colonisations are always likely to upset someone else among the stars.

When war comes, Stellaris can be brutal and newcomers to its 4X/RTS-hybrid mechanics may find themselves overwhelmed. Thankfully, those looking for (possibly a slightly unfair) advantage in combat have access to 'God Mode' as well as a whole host of instant resource-gathering 'cheats' via the PC console command function.

Need quick and easy cash, technology and minerals, or just to switch off the enemy AI completely? Then look no further than these quick codes.

How to access the Console Command menu in Stellaris

While in a campaign, press the Tilde key on your keyboard (~). You can then enter any of the below commands in lower case, although this won't work in Ironman games.

Stellaris Console Commands list and guide

ai – Toggles enemy AI on or off

cash [amount] – Adds 5,000 cash by default or specified amount

contact – Toggles contact with other empires on or off

control [planet ID] – Instantly occupy planet if not at war with colony